Shifting demographics, resulting in increased voter participation by minorities was a hallmark of last week’s election – and that is good news for American democracy.

For example, on Election Day 2012, local Latinos went out to the polls in big numbers, mirroring a national trend that helped propel President Barack Obama to re-election.

Latinos made up 10 percent of the electorate nationwide last Tuesday, up from 9 percent in 2008 and 8 percent in 2004, according to research released by the Pew Hispanic Center.

Obama received 71 percent of the Latino vote – the highest percentage since 1996 when Bill Clinton captured 72 percent of the Latino vote – while former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney garnered just 27 percent of the vote. The 52-point margin between Obama and Romney helped put the president over the top, according to exit polls conducted by the Pew center. Clearly the Latino population is a force to be reckoned with.

The Pew analysis also shows that as a group, non-white voters made up 28 percent of the nation’s electorate, up from 26 percent in 2008. This is a demographic trend that is expected to continue in the coming years.

The high turnout for the presidential election was in stark contrast to the lackluster showing in last year’s mayoral election. Citywide turnout for the 2012 presidential election, according to initial results last week, was about 64 percent while the turnout for the 2011 mayoral general election was only 22 percent. That is a trend we hope won’t continue.

In the meantime, greater minority voter participation is a welcome sign for democracy. As our nation grows more diverse, it is imperative that all Americans have a voice in choosing those who represent us in Washington – and at home.